What it is

An elegant blend of luxury and California’s affinity for nature

What it isn't

Child-friendly. The hotel does not allow any guest under 18 years of age.

What we think

The view as you enter into Big Sur can only really described as capital-R Romantic: sheer cliffs drop into the crashing Pacific waves below while scraggly coyote brush and California fuschia (adorned by ever-present hummingbirds) cling to the rocky surface. On a private 98-acre reserve of this coastline, the Post Ranch Inn’s 39 cabins are built into the bluff. To call them cabins is an understatement: Architect Mickey Muenning positioned them to have the best views of the ocean or the mountains, and individually designed them to blend into the landscape. All cabins are made of stone, glass, reclaimed redwood and steel. Some are built into the cliff face with grass- and wildflower-covered roofs; many feature hot tubs on cantilevered decks. Interiors are all Californian rustic chic, with walls of glass, angular windows and skylights to showcase the comings and goings of the fog. The hotel award-winning restaurant, Sierra Mar, juts out over the cliff, while the glass-paneled spa is set quietly back in the trees.

You're here because

Big Sur offers unparalleled raw natural beauty. The Post Ranch Inn allows it to take center stage, while giving guests the luxe accommodations that feel like they belong here.

The Moment

A wandering breeze carries the scent of Big Sur: sun-baked rocky soil, a touch of eucalyptus and white sage, the cool undertone of damp spruce mixed with the salty Pacific. The edge of the cliffside pool appears to touch the horizon. Heated to a wonderful 104 degrees, it steams gently as the night grows cool. Looking west, the silver fog bank glows in the falling sun; in a matter of moments it’ll roll in and you’ll be above the clouds.

Restaurants & Bars

Sierra Mar - Award-winning innovative cuisine by Executive Chef John Cox

Wine Cellar

Location

On Big Sur's coast, 30 miles south of Carmel, 150 miles south of San Francisco and 325 miles north of Los Angeles. The Monterey regional airport is about a 45-minute drive, but flying into SFO and driving down the Pacific Coast Highway is a blissful, beautiful way to spend three hours.